Top 10 Jump Scares in Animated Shows
#10: Dizzy World
“Regular Show” (2010-17) In the second-season episode, titled “Dizzy,” Pops finds himself slipping into unconsciousness after spinning in circles to try and overcome his public speaking anxiety. As he drifts deeper into the dark and foreboding Dizzy World, he’s greeted by a mob of abnormally realistic creatures. We see what he sees, the slowly approaching hoard. And then suddenly, from the bottom of the screen, a hissing fish creature springs up and ratchets things up. While Dizzy World already established itself as strange and creepy, this jump scare makes it clear that this place is more dangerous than it initially let on.
#9: Bunny
“The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy” (2001-07) Any show featuring the Grim Reaper is bound to be a little scary at times, but as far as jump scares go, nothing compares to Bunny. In a wish gone awry, Pud’n acquires a pet rabbit that takes tough love to a new level. Initially sweet and innocent, save for a somewhat ominous deep voice, Bunny’s cute face shifts into a horrifying one, pointy teeth and all. While it’s already clear that things aren’t as they seem with these twisted wishes, Bunny’s jump scare is particularly scary because of the high-pitched scream that accompanies his evil reveal.
#8: Koh the Face Stealer
“Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08) When it comes to creating tension in dangerous situations, “Avatar” captures the feeling perfectly. This is evident even in the first season, when Aang meets Koh the Face Stealer. Aang walks into this introduction with the understanding that showing any emotion to the spirit means losing his face. He’s as prepared as one can be, expressionless as the spirit taunts and teases him. In an effort to break his control, the Face Stealer jumps out toward the Avatar. While the cut doesn’t come toward the camera like other jump scares, the chilling and tense atmosphere makes his first appearance a little abrupt and generally unnerving.
#7: Nightmare Clown
“The Powerpuff Girls” (1998-2005) The Powerpuff Girls are no stranger to spooky enemies, like HIM or Mr. Mime. But sometimes the scariest moments come from fear itself. In the Season 4 episode, “Power-Noia,” Bubbles is wracked with fear as she looks around her bedroom once Professor Utonium turns out the lights. The viewer is given a front-row seat to the frightening things lurking in the dark, greeted first by a creepy clown doll grinning wickedly from the corner of the room. Its smile is unsettling enough, but the quick cuts to its static frame and, later, an empty chair where it once was, makes this pure nightmare fuel.
#6: Gumball Watches a Screamer Video
“The Amazing World of Gumball” (2011-19) If you were on the Internet in the mid-2000s, you may be familiar with this screamer video. The commercial features a serene landscape, a car driving down a winding road, and soothing music to really set the relaxing mood. Just when you least expect it, a zombie pops up to scream at the viewer. This is undoubtedly the same video Gumball comes across in the second-season episode, “The Internet.” While the video is offscreen, you can hear eerily familiar music as Gumball leans in, looking for a ghost in the footage. The scream itself is enough to make you jump, but Gumball’s reaction elevates it to a whole new level. He’s just like us, really.
#5: Wicked Lorna
“Over the Garden Wall” (2014) In their continuing journey through the Unknown, Wirt and Greg meet a seemingly innocent girl named Lorna in a less innocent-looking house. The episode builds suspense and uncertainty about a monster in the area, but the boys don’t suspect it’s her. At one point, she leads them into a closet for safety, when suddenly her “wicked” form emerges from the shadows. It’s as abrupt as it is unsettling. What’s worse, as the boys attempt to flee, the monstrous Lorna gives chase. Her body cracks at odd angles as she follows them out of the window and into the forest, which feels like a jump scare in its own right.
#4: Chuckie’s Nightmare
“Rugrats” (1991-2004) Nightmares are a great place for jump scares to pop up, and the Finsters know that firsthand. In the Season 3 episode, “In the Dreamtime,” Chuckie starts to suspect his world isn’t making sense, if a talking Spike is any indication. When he tries to bring it up to Tommy, the boy turns to reveal a warped face as he eerily says, “I’m not Tommy.” Even for a dream, the silly face is more alarming than funny. Chuckie’s dad Chas tries to reassure him that he doesn’t have to be afraid of dreams, which is probably good advice, because he ends up having the same nightmare about Stu at the end of the episode.
#3: The Gray Cat
“The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack” (2008-10) “Flapjack” masterfully combines 2D animation and realism to create uncanny images, and the gray cat is no exception. After Flapjack and K’nuckles discuss superstitions, the pirate claims he’s only wary of cats. As if summoned, a gray cat hops onto the table, giving them pause. The conversation itself hardly seems frightening, so when the screen reveals the cat’s face, it’s definitely unexpected. If the giant black holes for eyes or pointed teeth weren’t enough to scare you, the accompanying roar really adds to the fear factor. And that’s not the only time we’re exposed to his face. But he does kind of grow on you.
#2: Red Mist Squidward
“SpongeBob SquarePants” (1999-) This horrifying version of Squidward makes its appearance in the Season 12 episode, “SpongeBob in RandomLand.” As a frantic Squidward tries to find a way out of the chaotic town, a series of doors unravel before him. He opens several to find odd versions of him and SpongeBob, but none quite as unnerving as Red Mist Squidward. At first the door reveals Squidward’s room, seemingly empty, and then the dark version of him flickers onto the screen. His red eyes, encircled by a gloomy blackness, stare deep into the camera as an alarming noise plays in the background. Even though it only lasts for a few seconds, it’s genuinely upsetting for Squidward — and for us.
#1: Violin Girl
“Courage the Cowardly Dog” (1999-2002) While on a mission to find a package for the shady cockroach, Schwick, Courage comes to a room with music playing on the other side. Even he seems suspicious about what lurks behind the door, which is why it’s surprising to see a girl, back to the camera, simply practicing her violin. At first it seems peaceful, so Courage lingers. But nothing is ever peaceful when it comes to our favorite cowardly dog. The girl suddenly turns around to reveal a disturbing face, eyes bulging from her head, as she howls at him — presumably to scare him away. Don’t worry, Violin Girl, Courage got the hint, and we did too.